HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R3 Balrog................Balrog............Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R4 Tom Crockett..........Caladan...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
R1 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
W2 Sergi Sallent.........Jordi.............Wizard..Normal/Elf Ma
R4 Tim Falkenberg........Malradh ben Kasha.Merc....Normal/Human Ma
R3 Wayne Richardson/Uji..Thig..............Sidh MU.Normal/Faerry Ma
Do Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Artist..Normal/Human Ma
R3 Orion (Paul Broman)...Trembyl...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R3 Scott Adams...........Xian..............Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W2 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Ventrius/Pogo Thig's dogs, Firesnake of Caladan's,
Z'Leyra's Eagle, 2 Draft Horses, Wolf - Boyzdar
6 Captured Zen'da Horses
Game Web Site - For updates, files, links, etc.
http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@softhome.net
Game Update #41 in sequence (file #167]
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin notes: Before I begin, a few words. Last time I deleted
some of the Recap section text. It was excellent stories but
to save some space I deleted it only cause it was on the list
and website already. I use the recap section to reply to your
stuff if needed. I could if you guys want do without it
entirely.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
In answer to the warrior who asks Ben'Dar about the Fire
Lodge: (Assuming the Fire Lodge is the elite Fel'oros warrior
society which Ben'Dar hopes to join at some point?) Ben'Dar
nods and says, "Yes, I will be. I have not yet returned to
the Fel'oros to claim my rightful place in the Fire Lodge."
(A little boastful and probably not wholly accurate...yet.
But he's already been boasting so one more boast won't make
that much difference!)
In response to Caladan's question about taking Cetric's test,
Ben'Dar nods.
GM: Ack. Warrior nods back. Ack on tests.
--------------------------------------
From Jordi: [Re: Actions]
OOC: I don't think the poison affair was unfair.
In the moment you mentioned it, I knew exactly what was
going to happen. When a master comments something with
detail, it's important. But, one thing was what I knew;
another one, what my character knew. And my character didn't
suspect, so he followed the ritual. Also, except for truly
evil people (and this tribe is Caladan tribe, so Jordi didn't
suspect it from they), once someone has given you hospitaly,
etc... attacking/poisoning him is unheard of (well, until now).
"I don't know what to do, Caladan. My instincts tell me to
refuse and leave. If he has broken the sacred laws of
hospitality, he can break a lot more, and our tests can be
deadly, or deadly and tricked to make us fail. My
intelligence tells me that these people must be helped; but
also tells me that if they are willing to live under the
command of such a monster, they deserve whatever the future
brings them."
Jordi thinks for some seconds.
"If someone else wants to leave, without facing the test, I
will go with him. If not, I will remain, because travelling
alone is a certain dead. However, Caladan, if you wish to
remain here, and most of us want to leave, leaving you unable
to help your people, I will also remain here to help you.
Not for your people, but for you."
PS: I hope Jordi's explanation of his intentions is clear...
English is ot my native tongue. If it's unclear, I will
explain it again.
GM: Ack. Quite clear. your english is better than mine! I
make too many common typing errors. Course doing an update
sometimes over 3-4 hours then mistakes are bound to happen :)
From this answer though it seems you will take the tests
but if folks leave you will as well. I know for example
my C, D, F keys on my keyboard work sometimes. So I have
words without those letters at times :)
--------------------------------------
From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions]
Strie'bog nods, agreeing to the challange.
GM: Ack. Thanks.
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion is laughing inside to himself. He knew that the
problem lay in the person(s) with power. "What ever
changes?" he thinks to himself. If the gag is removed he
will be smiling, but will heed his mentor's warning not to
change the "lands" through magic. He can't wait to hear what
the challenges will be. Getting water from a stone is his
specialty, after all.
OOC - I fully expected it, and Chion would typically never
let anyone else ever serve him something to drink (and
certainly will now be able to say "remember the northern
plains" whenever asked). But "we" went along with it because
astral webbing and assassinating every member of the tribe
were probably not options to the campaign... LOL.
Chion will add an offer: "I'll safely transport anyone back
to the city whom fails the challenge or wishes to leave. But
I wish to pass this man's test and be welcomed, again, here."
GM: Heh. You'd be surprised how universal your views are :)
--------------------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra narrows her eyes and stares at the shaman as she
ponders in anger. Finally she slowly nods.
Gagged, she cannot tell the others of her disdain and anger
towards the shaman that has proven himself a dishonorable
enemy. She will spend some time imagining various suitable
fates for him.
GM: Ack. Thanks.
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
Unali nods. She has agreed to come with Caladan and support
his quest.
GM: Ack.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
Octaqi 15, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains, 306 Miles
North of Asichi City, Heading East from River
[Caladan eyes the party and waits for their answer. Its
clear from his eyes that this betrayal and dishonor
was not in his plans. His eyes show sorrow, anger and
disappointment. But above all theys how that he won't
be disappaointed in the party if any refuse...several
long seconds pass...]
[Ben'dar nods first. Caladan grins and nods back.]
[Farseeker without hesitation nods.]
[Kasha nods.]
[Thig narrows his eyes and with a look of mischief
nods ever so slightly.]
[Strie'bog and Trembyl nods at the same time...]
[Z'leyra and Unali nod at the same time...]
[Caladan looks at Balrog. Balrog looks at others back and
forth. Then to the crowd. He shrugs then looks as
if undecided. Cetric gives a slight smirk and Balrog
sees this then nods fiercely.]
[Xian nods finally as well.]
[Chion nods.]
[Jordi looks as if he wants to talk Caladan approaches
but Cetric stops him.]
Cetric: "No spirit words!"
[Caladan nods and goes to ungag Jordi who can't speak.]
Caladan: "No magic...yet." [He whispers]
[Jordi gives his epeech above then seems to agree to take
the challenge.]
[Chion nods.]
[Caladan steps back and smiles. Everyone has accepted.
Very good. With a turn he stares at Cetric.]
Caladan: "Everyone accepts! Ungag and untie them now!"
Cetric: "Everyone but you, Sundancer."
Caladan: "I accept! When we win your tests you will learn
theres more honor in these people then in your whole
line of ancestors!"
[Cetric ignores the insult. He nods to several warriors who
go and untie the ropes from each person's legs and feet.
Then removes the gags. At which point Chion gives his
speech above.]
Xian: "Our equipment?"
Cetric: "Depending on the test I choose some will be given
back to you."
GM: I know I didn't fool any of you guys with the whole
poison thing. It was obvious to any first time gamer.
But in a PBEM only limited in certain ways to handle it.
I actually did it so if someone choose NOT to drink they
could have. I always believe in the free will of players.
No one took it so continued.
---------------------------------
[As the warriors set the party loose Caladan approaches
his father the chief.]
Caladan: "Where are Durge and Gidwani?"
Gib'borah: "They are away for now."
Caladan: "Will explain later. First we must get this
nonsense over with."
[Unali approaches Caladan..]
Unali: Later, she will ask Caladan "Do the shaman on the plain
take wives and father children or do they stay childless
all their life?"
Caladan: "Yes they take families. Cetric in this case last
I know did not have a family. Now I don't know. I doubt
it though as his wife would be standing somewhere near him
and I don't see anyone like that."
Unali: She will wait for his answer and continues "I wondered,
as he who is without honor would not live to father children
where I come from."
Caladan: "He ...is only doing wha the feels is best for
the people. I don't sense evil in Cetric. There is
somethinb behind this challenge."
Unali: If questioned further on her feelings "No I must keep
my feelings to myself. I should not have spoken. To speak
further would be to dishonor. I came here to help you and
your family. I understood them to be honorable people, like
I have learned you to be. The honor has been tainted. I must
ask for guidance to regain the honor of all, and here there
is no one answer. But I will follow you."
Caladan: "Thank you."
Unali: "But before we can continue, we need our equipment back.
I hope you can persuade your family to do that. Some of this
stuff is dangerous."
Celadan: "If Cetric thinks the test requires it he will let
the gear to you. He might consider it unworthy to have
items...magical items...helping us."
--------------------------------------
Caladan: "We are ready."
Cetric: "Fine. Since I choose the tests you have reserved
the right to choose the person. One per test. It
will be hard to come up with something each of your large
group can do. But I'll come up with something" [he grins]
"Let me think."
[A few minutes pass...]
Cetric: "The first test. A test of bravery. A test to
simply enter the well."
[Cetric points to a spot in the camp which is an actual
water well. Seems simple enough. Like any standard
well everyone has seen. This one is a bit larger maybe
2 body widths and has clay or stone bricks lining the
top and possibly all the way down.]
Cetric: "Who is your most bravest of people?"
[Caladan walks the line looking at each. He eyes Ben'dar,
Chion, Farseeker, Jordi, Kasha, passes thig quickly,
passes Strie'bog only cause he doesn't know him well enough,
eyes Unali and the rest. He steps back to examine each
and ponders the question. He looks at Farseeker who is
definitely one of the most brave but he knows Cetric will
have a strength or a fight test most likely. He'll need
farseeker later as with the others. He approaches and
stands in front of Xian.]
Xian: "Ah...M-Me?"
Caladan: "Trust me. You are brave in spirit who will go
into battle knowing full well you may die-"
Xian: "I have-"
Caladan: "-But you continue to do so. I suspect what this
test entails. You have the...spirit...[he winks] to
handle the test."
Cetric: "It is choosen!"
GM: Ok. Here is how I will do the tests. It will work like
the above. Since many tests could take us weeks to handle
will assign them now. Even though as one or two may already
BE in a test another can be doing theirs. So many tests
will be going on at any one time. To save time in the
updates will assign them and explain them in detail now.
but keep in mind some tests may last all day while others
may only last a few minutes.
[The party walks toward the well as the crowd parts. Cetric
stands over the well.]
Cetric: "A simple well it is. But deep within its bowels
are hives of deadly snakes and scorpions. While they
leave us alone and only live in the ground or in the water
which seems to lead somewhere to a underground place...
they allow us to use it for water. You will be lowered
down by rope to the bottom where you will wait for the
hourglass to run out."
[A warrior places a tall hourglass. A odd object for a tribe
like this but it seems they do trade with outsiders. It
looks like it could be several minutes of time?]
Xian: "So i just remain below?"
Cetric: "If your brave enough. Are you?"
[Xian steps up and gets the rope tied around his waist and
steps over the side in preparation to be lowered.]
Xian: "When your ready."
Cetric: "Will will go alone without your equipment. Lower
him. When your feet hits water we'll start the time."
[As he is lowered slowly the crank and wood creak. Xian
holds on tight to the rope as the rope tightens on his
waist, shoulders and he looks down into the darkness.
As he is lowered he sees holes in the bricks and holes
in the sand "wall" where things must live...As his
feet hits water two warriors raise a wooden large shield
that covers the entire wall top which puts Xian into
total darkness as he sinks to his waist in water. Cetric
starts the timing..]
[Later..]
Cetric: "Who is your best tracker?"
[Caladan eyes the party especially Balrog, Thig, Ben'dar
and Jordi among the others. Then he stops in front
of Thig.]
Caladan: "I've seen you track well enough. I choose you."
Cetric: "This ...one...fine."
[Cetric leads the party to the edge of the camp.]
Cetric: "You will ...does he understand me?"
Caladan: "No. But I will translate for you."
Cetric: "He will track 3 animals. A simple test for any
youngster in this tribe. He fits that!" [he laughs at
the size joke] "One is a sheep. One is a young cow.
The third is a horse. Simply track all 3 before the
sun sets and yoru test is over."
[Caladan translates back and forth]
Caladan: "I want my dogs with me."
Cetric: "No! They can track. This is YOUR test not
theirs. We will give you only a horse and that's it.
I will send two warriors with you to observe your
tracking."
[With that Thig gets his horse and his gear is removed
from it. Thig doesn't even get a weapon. He is shown
where the animals were let loose from and Thig walks
the ground finding the most recent tracks but Cetric
hasn't made it easy. There must be hundreds of tracks
here in various directions back and forth. Two warriors
sit on horses and watch the unusual Faerry (to them since
they've never seen one).]
[Cetric smiles then walks back to camp..]
Cetric: "Who is your trader?"
[Caladan finally after looking at others stops at Jordi.]
[He whispers in Marentian]
Caladan: "Trader is haggling...haggling is diplomacy. This
should work for you. I hope."
Cetric: "You will travel to a nearby Tipi some ten thousand
footfalls from here. You will simply obtain the man's
most precious gift and return it here."
[Caladan looks worried since he is as unsure of what this
means as Jordi.]
Calaan: "That's about two miles or so."
[Cetric points to the North East direction.]
Cetric: "You will go with one warrior to observe."
Caladan: "His equipment?"
Cetric: "No restrictions."
Cetric: "Who is your best thrower?"
[Caladan considers Balrog since his recent use with the
dagger showed his skill. But if its a simple throwing
excercise it might call for a bit more...he stops
at Trembyl.]
Trembyl: "I am not a good thrower, Caladan."
Cetric: "Who do you choose?"
Caladan: "From what I know of you, you cna make anything
look good...even throwing."
[Trembyl nods slightly understanding.]
Caladan: "Trembyl."
Cetric: "Fine. With a dagger you will simply throw them
at various non moving target. A warrior no older than
10 should be able to handle this simple test of hands.
First this simple target."
[A round shield with a small red dot in the center that
appears to be dead center.]
Cetric: "One throw. No misses. Miss test fails."
Caladan: "Not fair. He should get a practice throw!"
Cetric: "He is allowed one practice throw but he may wish
it for one of the other two targets."
[A similiar target is mounted but htis time a bag is hung
on it. It seems to be filled with something.]
Cetric: "Inside are three other bags. One has water while
the other has red berry juice. Hit the one with water."
Trembyl: "Not fair! The odds are not in his favor."
Cetric: "Life is not fair."
[Finally a young male around 15 stands against a tipi and
holds a piece of fruit.]
Cetric: "Hit the fruit not the boy."
[Trembyl looks at Caladan but Caladan shakes his head
and looks concerned...]
[Later in the afternoon when the sun is lower and casting
shadows in some places.]
Cetric: "Choose your best entertainer."
[Caladan easilly chooses Strie'bog. But cetric smirks.]
Cetric: "You will be lowered in this pit. See that fire
you will simply remain in the pit for one hour."
Caladan: "That's it?"
Cetric: "That's it."
Caladan: "Can he take his equipment? Will he be alone?"
Cetric: "He can take everything including that wolf.
He will be alone. So this is why he should be well
entertaining to himself for that hour."
Cetric: "Who is your best horse warrior?"
[Caladan points to Ben'dar.]
Cetric: "Fine. You will select a horse to ride. You
will race three of our best warriors over the plains
to a point. At that point a warrior will be standing.
You will obtain his necklace and return back with it.
Course the other warriors will be trying for the same
thing."
Caladan: "His equipment?"
Cetric: "No ...well..this dragon armor...it is not
normal a plainsmen such as you Ben'dar wears armor.
You may choose it if you wish." [He raises his nose
in disgust] "...no restrictions."
Caladan: "Hardly any Zen'da wear armor." [He explains to the party.]
Cetric: "Who is yoru best horse rider?" [He smirks]
Caladan: "Ben'dar but since I can't choose him again...
I choose Balrog."
Cetric: "Fine. This will be a difficult test. Only the
warriors who do the worst crimes get this done to them.
But once in awhile its a test of will and a test of
strength. You will be tied by the hands to a horse.
The horse will be rode by a warrior who will speed to
that tree." [he points to a tree that must be 1.5-2
miles awya?] "Problem is you will have to keep up or
be dragged. The test is do you give up or do you take
it with endurance?"
Caladan: "Equipmenet?"
Cetric: "He needs none for this. But if he needs them
he can wear those gloves city folk wear for his ouchy
hands!" [Several warriors laugh at that]
Balrog: "No gloves. I only requst one thing before I
do?"
Cetric: "Yes?"
Balrog: "A good luck kiss from Unali."
[Balrog looks at Unali and grins.]
[Midday in the hottest time of the day.]
Cetric: "Who is your best warrior?"
[Caladan chooses Farseeker.]
Cetric: "A simple strength test. A simple combat test.
You look like you can take on any one warrior here.
So let's make it a real challenge. You will fit any
three warriors I choose."
Farseeker: "To the death? What weapons?"
Cetric: "Any weapons or foul armor you wish. You can fight
any way you wish but they will likely try to kill you
only based on the honor of killing a warrior of your
skill."
Farseeker: "To the death then or subdue. I"
[He looks over the crowd of warriors and sees no one of
hard warrior stock.] "...accept."
[Cetric picks 2 warriors. Then he calls out loudly for
some warrior named A'zort. Out from a Tipi stands
a person that is wid shouldered as he exits the flap and
seems to continue to stand and stand...and finally ends
up at 7 feet 2 inches. Appears to be about 400-500 pounds
with all muscle.]
Farseeker: "Oh...crap."
Cetric: "Who is your best warrior who can move but with
such grace as the wind?"
[Caladan looks at the remaining people not choosen and
sees Unali. He chooses her.]
Cetric: "Hah! A female warrior. Such fiting!" [Several
laugh] "So you think you can fight? There is a person
in our tribe who has fought for years to join the warriors
on the hunt. This person claims they are skille enough
and should have that right. Hah! This will be a test
for you as much as for that person. Step forward."
[A warrior steps forward from the crowd and Unali sees
it should be an easy fight. But then the warrior steps
aside and behind him a female thin as Unali steps out
of the crowd with long flowing black hair. Slightly
scared she steps forward.]
Cetric: "This girl claims to be good with the dagger.
Claims to be ...but we shall see. You two will
fight in any fashion you see fit. She will try to
prove herself which means she may try to kill you.
You may use any equipment as you see fit."
[A circle of bodies is made around the two. The female
grabs two daggers from a warrior. She spins them in
the air practicing. Her scared looks seems to fade
away as she finally may be able to prove herself among
the tribe's warriors. Determination is her power now.
Unali is a means to that end. The circle widens to
a 50 feet diameter area.]
Cetric: "Oh one more thing...Caladan told of your skill
last night. You can take this poor child easilly.
So to make it fair to the poor girl. You'll be
blindfolded. The first time she hits you and draws
blood you can remove the blindfold if you wish. Course
this makes things fair for her. Warriors are commonly
tested with blinfolds to test their skills in sensing
attacks and night fighting."
Cetric: "Who is your best wrangler?"
[Kasha looks at the remaining people - Chion, Z'leyra, Kasha,
and eecide..]
Caladan: "Kasha..."
Kasha: "I don't use rope though."
Caladan: "I think your the best choice. I hope."
Cetric: "Any female can o this. Even that one." [He points
at Z'leyra] "But you will simply capture a release
cattle animal. Wrangle it within a short time " [He
points to the hourglass] "and return it to its pin."
Caladan: "He can't use rope."
Cetric: "He can use any equipmenet he needs."
Kasha: "I'll do it."
Cetric: "Fine. You may choose your horse or any."
Kasha: "Mine is fine."
[Kasha goes to his horse an pulls out some gear]
GM: Will have to redo the tests for Chion and Z'leyra.
I have them in mind. But gotta get up early tomorrow
so will do them later toay or in monday's update.
Actions? Comments?
Next update Monday...